Ocean Keeper: Crowned Game of the Week by TouchArcade

TouchArcade Rating: A masterful blend of distinct gameplay styles is what makes Ocean Keeper shine. It seamlessly integrates side-scrolling mining with top-down mech combat, reminiscent of classics like Blaster Master and modern hits like Dave the Diver. This dual-mechanic approach, coupled with a compelling upgrade system, ensures high replayability.

In Ocean Keeper, you pilot a powerful mech on a mysterious underwater planet. The core gameplay loop involves descending into underwater caves to mine resources – a side-scrolling experience where you excavate rocks to uncover materials and artifacts, earning in-game currency. However, time is limited; waves of enemies are constantly approaching, forcing you back to your mech for intense top-down twin-stick shooter action with light tower defense elements.

Resources fuel upgrades for both your mining equipment and mech, branching skill trees offering diverse customization options. The roguelike element means death resets your progress within a run, but persistent upgrades between runs ensure steady advancement. Procedurally generated overworld and cave layouts guarantee fresh challenges each playthrough.

While the initial stages may feel somewhat slow, and early runs might prove challenging, perseverance is key. As you unlock upgrades and refine your skills, Ocean Keeper truly blossoms. The strategic depth of weapon and upgrade synergies forms the game's core, encouraging experimentation with various builds and tactics. Initially hesitant, I found myself captivated by Ocean Keeper's addictive gameplay loop once it gained momentum. The satisfying progression and diverse strategic options make it difficult to put down.